The team at Cumbria Employment Solicitors will integrate into Sintons’ operations

Newcastle law firm Sintons has announced the acquisition of a Cumbrian solicitors firm.

Sintons said the deal for Cumbria Employment Solicitors would extend its reach across the North and represented both an extension of its geographical footprint and investment in what it called “heavyweight legal talent.”

Cumbria Employment Solicitors has been established for more than 15 years and its link-up with Sintons will allow it to add more legal services for its clients. Michael Bauer and his team will be fully integrated into the Sintons’ employment team.

Christopher Welch, managing partner at Sintons, said: “Sintons are in a period of sustained, strategic growth. We are delighted to bring Cumbria Employment Solicitors into the Sintons’ family.

“However, this isn’t just a talent acquisition; this is part of our strategic drive to expand into different geographic regions by partnering with people who have a proven track record whilst sharing our values of client excellence. This latest move, when coupled with our continued growth in the Yorkshire region means that we are bigger, stronger, and more capable than ever.

“When I first started to speak to Michael, I was immediately struck not only by his talent as an employment lawyer but also by his passion for his clients and for the region in which he has lived and worked the majority of his career. I knew instantly that we had found people and a firm that we could work with for the benefit of all our clients.”

Michael Bauer, partner at Sintons, added: “Joining forces with Sintons was the natural next step for us. To continue to compete at the highest level, you need the resources and backing of a larger firm.

“By joining with Sintons, we are giving our existing client base access to the range of services and to the expertise in other areas of law that only a firm of this stature can provide. We now have the right platform to drive the growth of our combined business across Cumbria whilst still delivering the excellent, and personal, service for which we are known.”

Earlier this year Sintons toasted record revenues and the expansion of its workforce. The company, based at The Cube on Barrack Road, published accounts in which revenues rose 6.5% to £19.3m, while employee numbers rose to 180.

Britain’s high streets enjoyed a welcome lift last month as an early Easter drew shoppers back through the doors, but retailers are warning that the bounce may prove fleeting as a fresh wave of tax rises and wage costs bears down on the sector this month.

Total UK footfall climbed 2.4 per cent year-on-year in March, according to figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), reversing a grim start to the year that saw shopper numbers fall by 0.6 per cent in January and a chastening 4.5 per cent in February as persistent wet weather kept high streets quiet.

Yet behind the headline figure lies a more anxious story. The BRC cautioned that the Easter uplift, which arrived earlier than usual this year, fell short of what retailers had been banking on, leaving many in no mood to celebrate as April’s cost pressures begin to bite.

Shopping centres led the recovery with a 2.6 per cent rise, followed closely by retail parks at 2.5 per cent, while high streets themselves managed a more modest two per cent gain. Regionally, Manchester staged the strongest comeback, with total footfall surging by more than nine per cent, while London edged ahead of the national average at 3.3 per cent.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, struck a cautious note. With Easter and the school holidays falling earlier this year, she said, retailers had been expecting a stronger boost than March actually delivered. Warmer weather might help sustain momentum in the coming weeks, Dickinson added, but without a repeat lift in April the recovery was far from assured.

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant at Sensormatic, which compiles the BRC’s footfall data, was blunter still, suggesting that March would have recorded a decline altogether were it not for the Easter effect. He pointed to a worrying cocktail of falling consumer confidence, geopolitical uncertainty and rising living costs, not least at the petrol pump, as reasons shoppers are cutting back on discretionary trips. The real test, he argued, will be whether footfall can hold up once the Easter boost fades and tougher year-on-year comparisons return.

The mood among retail chiefs has been lifted, if only tentatively, by President Trump’s announcement of a two-week ceasefire, although that deal has since been cast into doubt. The BRC noted that a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, should it materialise, could bring global energy prices back towards more manageable levels before the bulk of companies come to renew their supply contracts.

Even so, the warning lights on the retail dashboard remain firmly on. Trade bodies representing both retail and hospitality are sounding the alarm over mounting employment costs and April’s hike to business rates, which together threaten to swallow any windfall the Easter trade may have produced.

Dickinson urged ministers to do their bit by easing the burden of domestic policy costs, arguing that lower overheads would free operators to invest in value, experience and their in-store offer, the very things, she said, that help drive footfall and breathe life into local economies.

For Britain’s SMEs, which make up the bulk of independent high-street operators, the message from the data is unmistakable. Easter has provided a fleeting reprieve, but the structural pressures squeezing margins show little sign of easing. Whether March’s modest rebound proves to be the first swallow of summer or merely a brief interlude before tougher trading conditions return will, retailers fear, come down to decisions taken in Whitehall as much as on the shop floor.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

The Gateshead company is a former North East Company of the Year

A former North East Company of the Year has been sold after the retirement of its long-time owner.

Dave Crone has stepped down as group managing director of Gateshead firm Omega Plastics after nearly 30 years with the company. The business has been acquired by Chris Thompson and Mark Thornton, both of whom have previously worked in senior positions at Omega.

The company, which has sites in Gateshead, Washington and Hartlepool, won the top prize at the North East Business Awards in 2017. Its most recent accounts show turnover of just over £7m and a headcount of 89.

As part of the takeover, the company will consolidate its operations to a single site in Team Valley.

In a statement to mark his retirement, Mr Crone said: “Having recently celebrated my 66th birthday, and after nearly 30 years with Omega Plastics, I have decided the time is right to sell my shares and step back from my role as group managing director. I want to reassure you that this transition has been carefully planned to ensure the future success and stability of the company. As part of this transaction, the business has secured significant additional investment to support our next phase of development.

“This business has been a lifelong passion of mine, and whilst it is an emotional milestone, I am incredibly proud of the journey we have shared and the business we have built together.

“I am delighted to confirm that the business has been acquired by Chris Thompson and Mark Thornton, both of whom have deep historical ties to Omega Plastics and a genuine passion for its success.

“Fundamental to my wish to retire was ensuring that Omega Plastics Group secured the correct leadership and investment to support its long- term objectives and sustainability. After detailed discussions with Chris and Mark it was clear they shared the same vision, were supportive of the needs of the business and through Chris’ ownership of the Gateshead facility they were also able to provide additional benefits that their ownership could bring to a single site operation.

“This investment gives the business significant increased working capital and additional funding to drive a transformational move to a single site in Gateshead, which will facilitate improved efficiencies and enhanced levels of service for you, our customers.”

Mr Thompson helped start the firm in the 1990s and remained a shareholder until 2024 when he left to become CEO at Express Engineering. Mr Thornton was a member of the company’s executive team in 2019 and 2020.

Mr Crone added: “We understand that the plastics sector has faced well-publicised challenges recently. Because of this, I want to be clear: Omega Plastics Group is now stronger, better funded, and more ambitious than ever.”

Assets under management for U.S. exchange-traded funds could more than double to $25 trillion by the end of this decade, Citigroup said on Thursday, as investors seek the increasingly popular asset class for low-cost, diversified exposure across markets.

As of March 2025, the U.S.-listed ETF industry’s total assets stood at about $10.4 trillion, according to Citi.

The Wall Street brokerage had previously forecast the industry’s AUM to hit $19 trillion by 2030 and $29 trillion by 2035.

GOLDMAN SACHS COMPLETES INNOVATOR CAPITAL ACQUISITION, LIFTING ETF ASSETS TO $90B

Citi said that as of March 2025, the U.S.-listed ETF industry’s total assets stood at about $10.4 trillion. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

It now expects more than $40 trillion by 2035.

“While these projections are more optimistic than our prior estimates, it still suggests ETFs will be in a more mature phase of AUM growth as flows (organic) and performance (inorganic) drivers will be more balanced than the previous ten years,” Citi said.

VANGUARD FUND STRIPS OUT CHINA IN EMERGING MARKETS INVESTMENT PLAY

A large chunk of the growth could be driven by active ETFs, investments into which are expected to outpace their passive peers, the brokerage said.

Active ETFs are among the fastest-growing segments of the ETF market, attracting investors with flexible strategies and lower costs. Many aim to outperform a benchmark or deliver a specific investment outcome, while passive ETFs seek to track an index and mirror its performance.

“Our base case expects Active’s market share of ETF AUM to double in ten years as these products gain (a) greater share of industry flows,” Citi said in a note on Thursday.

Other factors supporting growth within the industry include product innovation, easier ETF launch regulation, adoption of more sophisticated strategies, and demand for flexible, tax-efficient investment solutions, Citigroup said.

THE ETF REPORT: NEWS & ANALYSIS

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on April 4, 2025, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images / Getty Images)

ETFs tracking U.S. equities have recorded more than $75.8 billion in inflows so far this year, building on more than $1.1 trillion worth of inflows seen in the last two years, according to data from LSEG Lipper.

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Meanwhile, U.S.-domiciled ETFs have recorded more than $435 billion worth of inflows so far this year, as per LSEG Lipper data.

Two decades after “Confessions” redefined modern R&B, Usher’s catalog continues to thrive in 2026, with his signature hit “Yeah!” (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris) approaching 2 billion streams on Spotify alone and remaining one of the most-played tracks from the 2000s era. The Atlanta native’s blend of silky vocals, impeccable dance moves and genre-spanning hits has kept him relevant across generations, as streaming platforms and playlists introduce his music to new fans daily.

Usher Raymond IV, known simply as Usher, has released nine studio albums since his 1994 debut, selling tens of millions of records worldwide. His 2004 album “Confessions” stands as a landmark, spawning multiple No. 1 singles and earning diamond certification in the U.S. In April 2026, with monthly listeners hovering near 45 million on Spotify, his greatest hits continue to dominate R&B and throwback playlists, while newer tracks from 2024’s “Coming Home” album and occasional 2026 collaborations add fresh momentum.

Rankings of Usher’s best songs vary slightly by metric — Billboard chart performance, total streams, critical acclaim or cultural impact — but a clear consensus emerges from current data. Here is a widely agreed-upon top 10 list based on 2026 streaming figures, historical chart success and enduring popularity.

No. 10: “Love in This Club” (feat. Young Jeezy, 2008, from “Here I Stand”) This mid-tempo club anthem topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple of late-2000s parties. Its seductive groove and Jeezy’s rap verse helped Usher maintain momentum after the “Confessions” peak. The track still receives steady airplay and playlist placement, underscoring his knack for creating dance-floor-ready R&B.

No. 9: “U Remind Me” (2001, from “8701”) Usher’s smooth delivery on this mid-tempo relationship track earned him his first No. 1 on the Hot 100. Produced with classic early-2000s R&B polish, it showcased his vocal range and emotional depth. In 2026 it remains a favorite on romantic and nostalgia playlists, with strong catalog streams.

No. 8: “Burn” (2004, from “Confessions”) A heartfelt ballad about the end of a relationship, “Burn” replaced “Yeah!” at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and held the spot for eight weeks. Its raw emotion and relatable lyrics helped “Confessions” become a cultural phenomenon. Critics often rank it among Usher’s most vulnerable and powerful performances, and it continues to resonate in 2026.

No. 7: “OMG” (feat. will.i.am, 2010, from “Raymond v. Raymond”) This dance-pop banger blended R&B with electronic elements, peaking at No. 1 on the Hot 100. The high-energy production and catchy hook introduced Usher to a new generation of pop fans. It remains one of his most streamed solo-led tracks and a go-to for workout or party playlists.

No. 6: “Climax” (2012, from “Looking 4 Myself”) Produced by Diplo, this atmospheric R&B track marked an artistic evolution for Usher, earning him a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Its moody production and soaring vocals proved his ability to innovate while staying true to his roots. Many critics consider it one of his most sophisticated releases.

No. 5: “You Make Me Wanna…” (1997, from “My Way”) Usher’s breakthrough single spent eight weeks at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and introduced the world to his smooth style and dance prowess. The track helped establish him as a teen R&B star and laid the foundation for his later dominance. Two decades later, it still appears on greatest-hits compilations and retro playlists.

No. 4: “U Got It Bad” (2001, from “8701”) A tender ballad that topped the Hot 100 for six weeks, “U Got It Bad” highlighted Usher’s vocal talent and songwriting. Critics frequently cite it as one of his finest emotional performances. In 2026 it continues to rank high on lists of the best R&B ballads of all time.

No. 3: “My Boo” (with Alicia Keys, 2004, from “Confessions”) This duet spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and became a definitive early-2000s love song. The chemistry between Usher and Keys, combined with its heartfelt lyrics, made it an instant classic. It has surpassed 1.1 billion streams on Spotify and remains a staple at weddings and romantic events.

No. 2: “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” (feat. Pitbull, 2010, from “Versus”) A high-energy dance track that peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100, this collaboration brought club energy to mainstream radio. Its infectious beat and party vibe have kept it relevant, with over 1.37 billion Spotify streams as of April 2026. It frequently appears in throwback dance playlists and TikTok challenges.

No. 1: “Yeah!” (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris, 2004, from “Confessions”) Usher’s defining hit has amassed nearly 2 billion streams on Spotify and ranks as one of the biggest songs of the 21st century. The crunk-infused production, memorable hook and star-making verses from Lil Jon and Ludacris propelled it to 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100. In 2026 it remains the most-streamed track in his catalog by a wide margin and a cultural touchstone for early-2000s music.

Beyond these core hits, Usher’s more recent output, including the 2024 album “Coming Home” and its single “Good Good” (with Summer Walker and 21 Savage), has kept him active on charts and in the public eye. Occasional 2026 collaborations, such as rumored or released features with artists like Chris Brown, add to his ongoing relevance without overshadowing his legendary catalog.

Usher’s influence extends far beyond recorded music. His electrifying stage presence — highlighted by his 2024 Super Bowl halftime show — and choreography have inspired generations of performers. He has earned multiple Grammy Awards, including for vocal performances and R&B albums, and maintains a strong live touring career.

Streaming has dramatically extended the life of his hits. Playlists curated around 2000s R&B or “Confessions” anniversaries drive millions of daily plays. Younger audiences discover tracks like “Yeah!” through social media challenges or family playlists, ensuring the music stays culturally alive.

Critics praise Usher’s versatility: he can deliver club bangers, heartfelt ballads and experimental sounds with equal conviction. His ability to adapt to shifting trends — from crunk to EDM to contemporary R&B — while retaining a signature style has sustained a career now spanning over 30 years.

As Usher approaches new milestones in 2026, including potential new gospel-leaning or collaborative projects, his top songs serve as a testament to timeless songcraft. Whether blasting from car speakers, filling arenas or soundtracking quiet moments, these tracks capture the essence of an artist who helped shape modern R&B and pop.

For newcomers or longtime fans curating the ultimate Usher playlist in 2026, these 10 songs provide the perfect starting point. They represent the evolution of a superstar who turned personal storytelling and infectious grooves into global anthems. With billions of streams and countless memories attached, Usher’s music continues to make listeners move, reflect and celebrate — proving that true classics never fade.

Award-winning speaker and former BBC broadcaster to address sustainability, collaboration and culture at April programme launches ahead of flagship week in June

The Humber Business Week community is preparing to welcome award-winning BBC radio presenter, producer and author Dr Alan Raw as a programme launch speaker. The former broadcaster and co-founder of BBC Introducing will serve as keynote speaker at the 2026 Biz Week north bank programme launch on Wednesday, April 22, where he will invite his audience to reflect on what kind of future they envision for the Humber region, and what part they can play in shaping it.

The following week, on Tuesday, April 28, the south bank programme launch will utilise the spectacular backdrop of Helios – an installation by renowned artist Luke Jerram – to cast a spotlight on culture’s role in driving growth, identity and ambition for organisations. Alan, who received an honorary doctorate last year from the University of Hull for Sustainability and Creative Practice, will return to the university for the north bank event.

A published author, cultural catalyst and entrepreneur, he will draw upon the key Biz Week themes of sustainability, collaboration, and culture by presenting the Humber as a real-world illustration of industrial transformation and environmental change. Rather than treating climate and environmental change as abstract challenges, he will encourage the audience to recognise them as opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and long-term strategic thinking.

Alan said: “Humber Business Week is one of those rare moments when people from very different sectors come together in the same room. Those conversations matter because collaboration is how regions like ours turn challenges into opportunities.

“The Humber is a place that has always lived with change. This region is learning in real time how to adapt.

“My talk will be about sustainability, creative practice, and leadership, how the futures we build always begin as ideas, and how businesses and communities can work together to write a future they want to live in.”

The event is scheduled to take place at the University of Hull Business School from 5pm until 7pm on Wednesday, April 22. Separately, titled ‘The Business of Culture: Under the Sun’, the programme launch on the south bank will bring together business insight, cultural perspective and live performance to showcase the vital role arts and culture play in stimulating economic growth, reinforcing identity and fostering community connections, reports Hull Live.

Delivered as a joint venture between Future Humber, The Culture House and Humber Business Week, the event will carry the message that culture is a powerful contributor to how places grow, compete and tell their story. It will take place on April 28 between 5pm and 7pm.

Pat Coyle, chair of Humber Business Week, said: “The purpose of the programme launches is to reveal details of the events which are planned on both sides of the Humber and this year we’re fortunate to have speakers who can help us do that from the combined perspective of sustainability, collaboration and culture.

“The programme launch is also a key point in the countdown to Biz Week itself, which kicks off on Monday, June 1 with a packed schedule of events at the MKM Stadium in Hull and continues with an array of speaker events, advice sessions, panel discussions and plenty of opportunities to interact and engage before the curtain comes down with The Business Day on June 5.

“The launch events are also an opportunity for people to set their Biz Week priorities, plan ahead to avoid clashes, and meet some of the people who will be organising, hosting and attending the sessions. New events are being added to the Humber Business Week website all the time and we’re urging anyone planning to host something to get it up online as soon as possible and join the programme launch line-up.”

To stay informed of the most recent additions to the Humber Business Week schedule, register your own events and secure your places, visit Humber Business Week.

Calderdale Energy Park is planning to build 34 giant turbines on moorland at Walshaw Moor above Hebden Bridge, but opponents accuse the developer of rushing the consultation process

Developers behind controversial plans to construct what would rank amongst the nation’s largest windfarms on a stretch of Yorkshire moorland have launched statutory public consultation on the scheme. A series of in-person consultation events regarding Calderdale Energy Park’s proposals to position 34 giant turbines on moorland at Walshaw Moor above Hebden Bridge are taking place ahead of the June 10, deadline.

However, opponents of the scheme accuse developers of rushing the process and disregarding requests from Calderdale and Bradford councils to postpone the start until after May’s elections. The face-to-face sessions will take place at three locations in Bradford, one in Calderdale itself and two across the border in Lancashire at Colne.

Should the scheme ultimately receive approval, the turbines will be visible for miles around, including across Bronte Country moorland, and have triggered widespread concern and opposition over potential damage to protected peat bogs, impact on wildlife, heightened flood risk and the release of stored carbon. Critics contend the turbines would damage landscape, heritage and tourism, disrupt access routes, generate construction traffic, and deliver minimal local benefit despite assertions about green energy provision.

Calderdale Energy Park states that turbine numbers have been cut from 41 to 34 and maintains the 240 megawatt (MW) scheme represents a significant opportunity to generate sufficient clean energy to power more than twice the number of households in Calderdale. Calderdale Energy Park would be capable of generating sufficient electricity to power approximately 198,000 homes and reduce national CO2 emissions by around 2.9m tonnes over the windfarm’s lifetime, according to the firm.

The company’s plans also include a dedicated Community Benefit Fund worth £1.2m per year, which would provide financial backing for local groups and initiatives. The company says it is now seeking public opinion and offering the opportunity to submit further feedback.

Responses gathered during a previous non-statutory consultation have already helped shape the proposals, says Calderdale Energy Park, including a reduction in the number of turbines. The company has also revealed a new connection point at Bradford West substation — in addition to the four connection points previously announced.

Christian Egal, project director said: “We believe this is a unique opportunity for the people of Calderdale, Bradford and Pendle to secure millions of pounds of investment into the local economy, develop specialist green skills and unlock up to £36m over the next 30 years to invest in local projects and initiatives. We understand that people will have differing views on the project.

“The statutory consultation is an important part of the process, and it gives anyone interested the opportunity to view the revised plans and provide feedback. At a time when the cost of energy is once again at the top of everyone’s minds, we encourage people to take part so all perspectives can be fully considered.”

However, those opposing the proposals are troubled that the process is commencing at this time.

The Peatland Alliance, one such opponent, claims that Calderdale Council’s request to delay the process until after May’s elections has been disregarded.

It said: “The wind farm developer’s decision will put the efficacy and transparency of the consultation process at risk, according to strongly-worded advice from Calderdale Council. Calderdale Council advised Calderdale Energy Park that the timing of the consultation should avoid the sensitive pre-election period, so as to ‘ensure that newly elected councillors and new council administrations are properly consulted.’

“Bradford Council made the same request. Calderdale Energy Park appears to have brushed the councils’ views aside,” they say. A Peatland Alliance campaigner said: “It could be a case of more haste, less speed.”

Calderdale Energy Park’s six face-to-face consultation sessions are scheduled at: Denholme Community Centre, Denholme, Bradford on Friday, 17 April, from 2pm to 7pm; at Oxenhope Community Centre, Oxenhope, Bradford, on Saturday, 18 April, from 1pm to 5pm; at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Tuesday, 21 April, from 1pm to 7pm; at Trawden Forest Community Centre, Colne, on Saturday, 9 May, from 11am to 3pm; at Haworth Village Hall on Tuesday, 19 May, from 1pm to 7pm; and at Primet Community Centre, Colne, on Thursday, 21 May, from 2pm to 7pm.

Additional information about the scheme and statutory consultation can be accessed at www.calderdalenergypark.co.uk – members of the public can submit feedback via the online feedback form. Members of the public can also reach the project team with enquiries or submit feedback by emailing info@calderdaleenergypark.co.uk or by calling 01422 702506 between 9am and 5.30pm, Mondays to Fridays, during this timeframe.